Government Introduces Key Reforms Under Taifa Care To Enhance Universal Health Coverage
From left; Dr Patrick Amoth, Dr Deborah Barasa and Dr Harry Kimtai during the press briefing yesterday. Photo/Courtesy.
By MoH
The Ministry of Health has introduced key reforms under Taifa Care to enhance Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Speaking during a media briefing, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa announced a new healthcare financing model, where payments to facilities will now be based on the actual number of patients served rather than insurance status.
“This ensures fairness, efficiency, and accountability, with primary healthcare services now fully tax-funded,” she stated.
Dr. Barasa emphasized that Taifa Care is Kenya’s most ambitious health program, calling on all stakeholders to support its success.
She also confirmed that by tomorrow, the Ministry will finalize the Means Testing Model (MTM) to ensure financial support for vulnerable groups.
To promote transparency, the Social Health Authority (SHA) will begin publicly disclosing payments to health facilities next week. The Ministry has also launched a Claims Tracking Dashboard to speed up payments, with nationwide training underway to help health providers streamline claim submissions.
By the end of this month, 15 high-volume hospitals will join the Health Information Exchange (HIE) system, improving efficiency through seamless patient data sharing.
Additionally, a 24-hour Call Center is being established to assist Kenyans with healthcare access, registration, and claims tracking.
Dr. Barasa also announced expanded health benefits, including a sixfold increase in ICU/HDU coverage from KSh4,600 to KSh28,000, and an increase in oncology care coverage from KSh400,000 to KSh550,000 per household.
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring Taifa Care transforms Kenya’s healthcare system, making quality healthcare accessible to all.
The CS was accompanied by among others Principal Secretary for Medical Services Harry Kimtai and Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth.
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